THE. 



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KAW VALLEY 




:With Pdems.= 



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"i.king Mortb From the .Mchia Bridge. Twpekfi. 



While the Waters Speak as They Flow 

L:rc:a -Loath to Speak What They Know 

But Through Prose, a Picture, a Verse 

These Waters Now Freely Conver-e. 



Dedicated to the Flood Sufferers 

BY 

kATHtRVNt aiZ.4BETH CRAVES. 



ppiCF ^f f^O 



COHNINO PKINTINO CO.. TOPEK^t. 



THE^ 

KAW VALLEY 

^DELUGE 

=With Poems.- = 




Looking North From the Melan Bridge. Topeica. 



While the Waters Speak as They Flow 

Direct — Loath to Speak What They Know; 

But Through Prose, a Picture, a Verse 

These Waters Now Freely Converse. * ■ 



Dedicated to the Flood Sufferers 



COPYRIGHT 1903 
by E. GRAVES. 



BY 



KATHERYNE ELIZABETH GRAVES. 



PRICE, $1.00. 



CORNING PRINTING CO.. TOPEKA. 



IHE LIBRARY OF 
CCNtjRESS, 

Two Copies Receive!* 

JUL 18 1903 

l Copyngnt tnliy 
fiLAS?; £^,' XXe. No. 






^^. 
O''^ 



■^•'^.• 



1''^PS6-C07635 



The Great Kansas plood. 



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HE great flood of 1903 that swept SALINA. 
the paradise of Kansas was the On the 25th of May heavy rains fell 
greatest and most destructive at Salina and vicinity. The sewers 
in the history of the state. No were unable to carry off the water, 
pen can fittingly portray the The streets were flooded and cellars 
wreck, the ruin, the awful desolation filled with water. May 26 the waters 
that marks its pathway from where its of Dry Creek and Mulberry Creek were 
waters rose to the gateway of the state out of their banks and, meeting, flood - 
on the East. No imagination, how- ed farms in their pathway. Soon they 
ever vivid, can picture the scene. For reached Salina and covered the North 
several days preceeding the mad rush and West parts of the city. The peo- 
of waters tornadoes and hail storms pie were rescued in boats. On the 27th 
passed over Salina in quick succession water continued to rise and flooded all 
doing more or less damage. On the the land for four miles West of Salina. 
20th of May two small tornadoes passed The Smoky began to rise toward eve- 
over the South-west part of the county, ning. The waters reached their high- 
uprooting trees and destroying houses, est the night of the 28th, when a 7-foot 
barns and sheds. The next day an- wall of water came rolling down Dry 
other tornado passed over the South Creek. The fire alarm was turned in 
part of the county, mowing a path on and boats were sent to rescue the peo- 
each side of the river and falling with pie. From the 22nd to the 29th, in- 
special force on the little village of elusive, 12.4 inches of rain fell and all 
Assaria. Several persons were injured Salina was under water. The water 
and some lives were lost. Much prop- works plant was saved by dyking. For 
erty was destroyed and several bridges five days Salina had no train service, 
swept away. On the 22nd the most nor communication with the outer 
destructive hail in the history of Saline world save by a single wire to Denver, 
county fell; some of the stones weigh- One life is reported lost in Salina, and 
ing ten and twelve ounces. Heavy one in the county outside. Damage to 
wind followed. Houses were blown the city will probably reach ^100,000; 
down and from their foundations and to the country, very great, indeed, 
otherwise injured. Crops were badly The following flood views of Salina 
damaged. The same night Brookville will give the reader some idea of the 
was visited by a tornado followed by inception of what afterward proved to 
rain. Heavy rains now became a daily be the greatest and most destructive 
occurrence. flood in the history of the state. 



ABILENE. or less damaged. It is hard to give 

The rains that raised the flood tide ^^en an approximate estimate of the 
at Salina were not local; they were ^o^^' either at this point, or anywhere 
general and along the valley of the ^Ise along the line of the flood. Only 
Kaw and in the North-west, covering one life is reported lost in Dickinson 
the tributaries of the Smokey Hill, county, that of Sherwood Murphy, of 
Abilene lay in the track of this rising, Enterprise, 
rushing tide. Mud Creed felt the force TOPEKA. 

of these down pours of rain and began j^ j^ ^^^ ^^^ intention to write a 
rapidly to rise. The Smoky, was up. complete history of the ravages of this 
The waters began to back up over the g^^^_ ^his may never be done. Hence 
farms West of Abilene. There was a ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ g^^^^^ ^.^.^^ 
very heavy ram on the 28th reaching ^^^ territory between Enterprise and 
its heaviest force between Salina and ^opeka, where, perhaps, the force of 
Manhattan and extending ten miles on ^j^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ destructive than 

either side of the river. Herington, „. „„ ^,, • - • ., .■ 

„ ., ^ , » . ' at any other point in the entire course 

Hope; Council Grove and other points r ,, fl^od 

suffered severely. By 3 p. m. of that _,, . . _, 

day the water was three feet deep at ^^^ ^'^'^^""^ ^^ ^^P^'^^ ^^^ ^'"P^^ 

Fourth and Broadway, in Abilene. In ^^rning of the coming of the flood, 

the Northwest and South-east parts of ^^^^ "^^'^ informed of the fate of Sa- 

the city the streets were level from ^^'^^' ^^^^^^^ ^^'^ "^^^^ P°^"ts. They 

curb to curb and the creek coming up ^""^^ ^^^^ *^^ ^*^1"°^^ °^ ^^^^'^ ^^^^ 

fifteen inches every hour. For twelve ^°°'^^'^ ^^^^^ ^"^^^^ ^""^ inundated the 

hours the creek rushed through the '^^"^^''^ tributary to these cities, aug- 

city, a raging torrent, half a mile wide. "^^'^^^^ ^^ ^^^ '^'""^ ^^^ween here and 

At the deepest point the was five to ^^^'^ ^°*^ ^he waters coming from the 

six feet. The three-storp brick block tributaries of the Kaw, must pass 

at Third and Cedar collapsed. To the ^^^°"§^^ ^°P^^^- ^^^ ^^'^ ^^^^ ^°^^' 

farmers in the waters' wake from Sa- ^"^ ^^^^ contented themselves by say- 

lina to Abilene the loss is very great. ^°§^' "^' ^^^ "^^'^ ^^'^ "^^ rise high 

enough to reach us," and they re- 
ENT EKPKISE. mained quietly in their homes, making 

Passing Abilene and gathering force little or no preparation to meet the 
from the constant rains and from the emergency that must come, 
waters of the tributaries of the Smoky The reports from the West were 
Hill valley the waters increased in vol- supplemented daily by heavy rains all 
ume and spread out over the valley along the valleys of the Kaw and the 
East of Abilene until at Enterprise Smoky Kill. On Thursday the 28th 
they extended from the highlands up- by two o'clock the river had reached 
on which the city is located to Detroit, the high water mark of last year and 
two and a half miles to the North — a continued to rise that night and all 
veritable lake. The fine wheat fields the next day. On Friday night the 
along the valley were completely rise was rapid; the waters of the 
ruined and other crops destroyed. Con- Smoky Hill were now mingling with 
siderable live stock was lost, some those Kaw. North Topeka was flood, 
buildings swept away and others more Those of the people who had no^ 



sought safety the day before were now 
beyond escape, at least, without help. 
Those who lived in one story houses 
took refuge upon the house tops and 
in the trees. All through the early 
hours of Saturday their piteous cries 
could be heard pleading for help. 
Guns were fired as signals of distress. 
The people on the South side were 
powerless to give relief. Boats could 
not reach them in the darkness through 
the whirling, roaring, rushing waters. 
Up went the tide. Crane street was 
past fording on the morning of the 
30th. Under the direction of com- 
mittees, hastily appointed, the people 
of South Topeka began the building 
of a pontoon bridge to connect with the 
south approach or Melan bridge. Rope 
and wire cables were stretched from 
telephone pole to pole to the south end 
of the bridge and by means of these a 
line of ferry boats was established 
across Crane street where the waters 
had now become a rushing torrent. 

Some daring and heroic men 
were constantly at work trying to res- 
cue the imperilled by means of boats. 
Many of these boats were capsized in 
the raging torrents; others reached 
and rescued the imprisoned. Several 
of the rescuers lost their lives in their 
efforts to save the suffering. The 
Thomas Lumber Company lost 
their lumber by fire started from the 
slacking lime. The Gabriel lumber 
yard suffered also from fire. Several 
buildings caught fire from burning 
lumber drifting against them. The 
people were terror stricken at the sight 
of fire, and there was no power to 
quench the flames. Saturday night 
was cold, dark and dismal. The suf- 
fering of those on the house tops and 
in the trees was intense. A cold rain 
put out the fires, but it added to the 
suffering of the peopla. Sunday morn- 



ing the North approach of the bridge 
gave way. A cable was stretched 
across the chasm and the people were 
carried across to the South side by 
means of a "breeches buoy." The 
river reached its highest on Saturday 
evening, 27 feet above low water mark. 
The number of lives lost will reach 
nearly 100. Heroic efforts were put 
forth to save the flood sufferers from 
their peril and hundreds through great 
danger were taken to places of safety 
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. In 
this work of relief a posse of 60 men 
with 40 boats and a train load of pro- 
visions under the leadership of Charles 
J. Borden, mayor of the city of St. 
Joseph, Mo., rendered valuable servi- 
ces in saving and feeding the people. 

The water began to recede on Satur- 
day evening and it was not until June 
4th that the water had left the main 
streets of North Topeka. 

The loss of property in North To- 
peka, to say nothing of the loss of life, 
is something appalling. Hundreds of 
residences are ruined; many have been 
carried down the river; business houses 
utterly destroyed or rendered unsafe 
for business; furniture in almost every 
house rendered worthless; valuable 
and costly libraries were lost; Con- 
gressman Curtis lost his valuable li. 
brary, one of the finest in the state; mud 
from one to three feet deep in every 
house left standing; every stock of 
merchandise entirely ruined, or greatly 
damaged; hundreds of horses and cat- 
tle lost their lives; huge sand banks 
and all kinds of wreckage everywhere. 
It is not possible to conceive of the 
loss to the citizens of North Topeka 
and of the Kaw valley to the West, by 
reason of this flood. Years of toil 
will not efface it. Want and suffering 
in many instances must ensue, not- 
withstanding the marvelous and un- 
exampled exhibition of sympathy and 
generosity upon the part of Kansans 



and of the good people beyond the one to three feet deep. Many of the 

limits of the state. houses which are left were under from 

T A rj^pgjsjr'p' 10 to 20 feet of water. Several brick 

„^^. , .-. . ^ A J i..j building-s on Kansas Avenue in Arm- 

But the waters that had devastated , , , ,, , . 

-KT .^ n\ ^ J • J ii J ^ ourdale have collapsed since the waters 

North Topeka and carried the deepest , , ,, %-,.,, 

. ^ , ^ J receeded. Mayor Gilbert, after mak- 

sorrow into so many homes, stopped . ^ • ^, , » ,,,... 

, ^, . ing- atrip through Armourdale district, 

not here; they passed on, gathering ? 'L °. . , , • 

\, , .' , . said. "The ruin m Armourdale is 

force as they went. After laying ^, ^^ x 

., CI .-1 11 much more enormous than at first sup- 
waste to many miles of as fertile valley , T^ .,, . / 

, ^ . , ,, posed. It will require manv months 

land as can be found anywhere they r..,, , , ^, ^ ' j.- . 

, , , , ■ ^i, i,-u- J. ■ of hard labor to make that portion of 

hurled themselves against the "historic „ mi \. • .li. 

. „ ^ , TTT . J -KT .1 T the city habitable." The water in the 

city" of the West and North Lawrence tt-j j. -r^j t>^ 

•' , r , , • J ^ i- Union depot was six feet deep. But 

was made to feel their devastating ^ .■ ■ ^-r. a j j ^- i ^u 

_, -^ . I, ■ -11 desolation in the flooded portion of the 

power. The magnificent flouring mill . i i -^ • • ^i. 

^ , , ^ * „ 7 country is as complete as it is in the 

owned by Congressman Bowersock was ., . 

^ . . . . , cities, 

swept from its foundation and piece bv r^ ^ -i. ^- r^i a ^ a 

. ^ , , . . , ', Contributions for the flood sufferers 

piece went down the river. A channel , . . ^n r -.i.- 

^ , . , ^ have been generous, both from withm 

200 feet wide, and very deeo, was cut , - -it. 4. ^u ^ ^ t 

^^ , , ' . , ' c and from without the state. Large as 

North of the bridge and one span of ,, ., , i • i. 

^ . ^ they are they have only given tempo- 

the bridge was carried away as were ^• c -Kt r. i. i, i- a 

^ . •' rary relief. Much was to be hoped 

the water wheels of the light plant. ^^^^ ^ ^^^^.^^ ^^^^.^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ 

Here, also, the damage was very great, i^^jgi^t^,,,^ ^^^ p^.^isan politics barred 
KANSAS QTY. the way to substantial relief. The 

On sped the waters and wider grew legislature could only go so far as to 
their expanse and more terrific their open the way by which the counties 
force as they neared the waters of the could rebuild their bridges which had 
Missouri which, too, had overleaped been swept away. Thousands of peo- 
their banks. Wreck and ruin mark pie, who lost all, must to a certain ex- 
their pathway' to the mouth of the tent for some time yet, depend upon 
Kaw. Ruined farms and wrecked the good will of a generous public 
buildings on either side of the river to which can not be muzzled by the 
the gate way of the state tell of the machinations of designing politicians, 
desolating force of this flood. Five or held in check by the fear and tim- 
hundred houses were swept away in idity of a few ofiSce holders, 
the Kansas City bottoms. Forty-five Under separate heads we present 
race horses were drowned at Harlem, the reader with flood views taken, for 
In two entire wards, and parts of two the most part, by our special artist 
others, comprising a population of 63,. which tell the story of the great flood 
000 people, 23,000 were made homeless more eloquently than tongue can tell 
and dependent. Mud everywhere from or pen can write. 



PROEM. 

There may be some thought divine 
Between these lids, here you'll find, 
Caught by a brain, strange to thine. 
If such it be,— bear in mind 
That the field from which 'twas brought. 
With others still, yes, is fraught; 
But this, perhaps, strange as thought. 
Leaves no kindred there uncaught. 




THE FLOOD SUFFEKERS TENTED CITY, TOPEKA. 



A WARNING. 

Some little daisies by a brook 
Far towards the sun set glow, 
Were leaning their heads in council 
O'er the rain, the wind, the snow. 

When from the windings of nature 
Came a whisper soft and low; 
It told them in terms most certain 
•'Mighty waters soon must flow!" 

"To be saved! saved? Is there someway?' 
They querried this whisper soft, 
"Since the gates ' you say, "soon must raise 
To send such waters aloft." 

Again they cried, "What must we do 
To escape the awful fate?" 
"The chance is his who nature heeds" 
Said the brook, if not too late.'' 

They watched the clouds all night, all day. 
Like armies hurrying by. 
"The fight begins to the West!" 
Murmured the brook in reply. 

So that eve as the sun sank down 
Behind a most threatening bank, 
A boat came gliding up the stream 
With a girl, who looked her rank. 

The daises still in council there 

So quickly, then, caught her eye; 

As quick saw them; quick she loved them. 

So the daises did not die! 

That very night, that awful night, 
See! How quick the lightnings flash! 
The thunders rolled, hard, hard they rolled: 
The gates then raised with a crash! 



The branch, the creek, the rivulet 
Far around, o'er leaped their bank; 
For the rain, it fell in torrents 
And the verdant vales, they sank. 

Just as the day came back again 

Then a fearful rush was heard. 

The waters leaped, they dashed, they rolled 

The sound, t'was a funeral dirge! 

Hard pushing now to reach the Kaw, 

The stream with many slopes; 
Her valley there, below so fair, 
Held her sons most cherished hopes. 

This river now asserting right 

And a claim she held supreme; 

"This valley," said "that you hath staked, 

Sirs! I come now to redeem!" 

She drew no line, all went alike; 
Yes, it was a sad, sad sweep; 
For every living thing she grew 
She whirled — dashed into her deep! 

The little towns when passed them by 
Were left, like the cities dead. 
For man, alike his chattels went; 
Lost! Lost! Like her sleeping dead. 

Into the surge, from house top, tree, 
There they sank, so numb and cold; 
Yes, mother let her babe go down 
As a ransom for her soul! 

Through the valley Kaw of Kansas 
To city that bears her name, 
Comes the same tale from her thousands 
Precisely she served the same. 

There is a voice, a soft still voice 
That ever haunts the souls of men. 
"The chance is his who nature heeds'' 
No matter the way he wends. 



LAST SCHOOL DAYS. 

It was hard farewell to say 

When a sadness of the day 
Had cast upon my heart a solemn spell; 

When memory took its flight 
Through the darkness, through the light, 

To fields it loved to ramble in so well. 

It was in the merry morn 

When the hues of early dawn — 

Like a rosy veil shimmering o'er the lea — 
While the birds did soar and sing 

And the flowers did bend and cling 

To drink from brooklets running towards 
the sea. 

It was then I learned to stray 
In those fields from day to day; 

Then I often sniffed the fragrance full and 
free. 
Till I reached that little stream — 

That appears like a dream, 

My joyful heart did bound with mirth and 
glee. 

There I launched my tiny boat 

As I watched the bubbles float 
The dashing of my oars would often make. 

Till the rushing of the sea 
And the breezes, fresh and free 

Told where the rolling billows swell and 
break. 

I was nearing then at last 

Where the current, sweeping fast. 

Bore my little bark onward toward the sea, 
Where the storms would test my sails 

And the stranding rocks and gales 
Propound the mighty question — Who Art 
Thee? 



DON'T KICK A HAN WHEN HE'S DOWN. 

1_)on't kick a man when he's down; 

Though it seems he deserves the blow; 
Perhaps the why, how or what. 

That, my friend, you may never know. 

Don't kick a man when he's down! 

Father time may reverse the case; 
Good it will be then to know 

Past mercy has given you grace. 

Don't kick a man when he's down! 

There is nothing all safe in life. 
Since countries fall, why not men? 

Only death is sure in this strife! 

Don't kick a man when he's down! 

Adversity has nurtured kings; 
Perchance a method of fate 

To better the man by its stings. 

Don't kick a man when he's down! 

Dame fortune is fickle you know; 
Now that you're up, is no proof 

You may not slip — farther below. 

Don't kick a man when he's down! 

Better give him a lifting hand. 
If you can not help, not cheer. 

Don't kick; that's no part of a man! 



FRAILITY. 

iViAN thinks him strong. 

But in fact, how weak! 
For he has not as yet 

Crossed the shallow creek 
To where the ocean deep 

Lay unexplored. 
To him her waves have not. 

As yet, truly roared. 



LIFE. 

What is life but a song — 
Throug-h which our passions play; 
Scales up to thrill, to cheer, 
Then falls to grief — a tear. 



MEMORY. 

Softly, softly stealing- 
Through the quiet, quiet past, 
My thoughts sail undaunted,) 
Like a craft at sea, well masted. 
Back, when life was morning, 
While the sun — yet crimson young, 
Began now its journey 
Soothing hearts that night had wrung. 



THE PAST. 

Things gone, are gone. May we profit 

by 
What we've done, is better done; there 

let it lie. 
True it is — we call our fathers 

great; 
Yet they quit the stage long e'er they 

reached our state. 

Clutch not around for that other 

day 
In the past now sleeping, and too 

well it may. 
But let us look, still on, just 

ahead. 
Through the gloaming there — far — far 

beyond the dead. 



THE PORTER. 

I AM a sleeping car porter. 
1 have traveled, traveled, oh gee! 
These many years, yes sir, traveled 
Hither and thither, don't you see. 
Sir, I was down there in Frankfort, 
f es, in that old "Corn Cracker State" 
Just after — yes it was Goebel, 
You remember I guess — his fate. 

That town was in consternation. 
Nothing was all certain, or slow. 
The most that would strike a fellow 
Was to "take up your duds and go." 
So strong was this under current 
That some men gazed full — part askance. 
I made best of my condition 
Since I gave but a porter's chance. 

Ran in on train ten that morning. 
And could not go out before night. 
Bet you I stuck to that sleeper 
From the station ^ust out of sight. 
That eve I stood for reception 
At the end of a "Jim Crow train." 
The way they swooped down upon me 
Seemed that others had felt the strain. 

True sir, it was in that South land, 
Down where the orange blossoms grow. 
There I left the old, old homestead, 
Now sir, many long years ago. 
Since then I have lived in that city — 
'l"he gem of the lakes — so they say. 
Where "A man's a man for a that," 
Yes sir, and the law has its say. 

Were ever you over the Central 
Hung on the Empire express? 
What do 3'ou think of her movements? 
I think we can beat her out West! 
Say? Once out there in New Braska 
We pulled oft on a siding rail; 
Then we looked up to see her come. 
Here! there!- she's gone, that "fast mail." 

They sent me down there to Texas, 
'Twas during the fair, I believe. 
Where they hang a sign — big letters — 
"For Colored Folks," where they receive. 
We pulled from Dallas one evening 
With some rangers well bent on sight. 



Long 'ere we got to Chicago 
Our buffet was ate out — for right. 

It was, "bring me this!" "bring me that!" 

It went, went, yes, even the beans. 

How they did eat, smoke, chew and drink! 

Yes sir, they just went it like fiends. 

The morning we reached the city 

They were looking like "Bill's Wild West." 

It was "Porter come," "Porter go." 

I was here! there! judge you the rest. 

Yes, I was over to Portland, 

Mighty close to old Orchard Beach 

The home of our greatest poet 

As far as America reach. 

'Round Crawford's notch in those mountains 

A sight so beautiful and grand. 

Gazing on nature, majestic. 

You think of the weakness of man. 

Was once with "Uncle George Pullman" 
Whose name goes beyond the "Old Pond." 
Though sleeping, quietly sleeping. 
That name must forever go on. 
From Boston, New York to Frisco 
A special by an English son. 
The train was made up of sleepers, 
"Lord hab musse;" how we did run! 

In fact I was out with Patti, 
I know you remember her style, 
For true she was working the East 
In the days of the late Oscar Wilde. 
When McKinley took his seat 
I was one of the first to go. 
And when the great noise was over 
Bet you, I had something to show. 

What is it to be a porter 
Down to the fine points of the thing? 
Is it to raise and down windows 
And answer all the bells that ring? 
Yes sir, yes sir, it is all that 
And a many, many more thing. 
First you must understand nature. 
Sir, the kind that touches the string. 

Then all things you must know — must 

know. 
From smallest to greatest in size; 
Polite and very obliging. 
Takes this, sir, to capture the prize. 




Salina — ikon ave. pkincipal stkeet. boat taking provisions to sufferers. 




Salina — water in south pakt of city. watek from two to four feet deep. 




Salina. — north pakt of city. st. john's military school in distance. 




ABILENE. — WRECKED BUILDING ON CEDAR 'STREET. 




KOCK ISLAND KOAD BED EAST OF ABILENE. 




VIEW ON SANTA FE K. K. EAST OF ABILENE. 




SANTA FE LOOKING NOKTH-WEST FROM K I. CROSSING. ENTEKPKISE. 




R. I. LOOKING WEST FROM DEPOT. C. HOFFMAN'S GKOVE TO RIGHT. ENTERPRISE. 




THE AUDITORIUM AT TOPEKA. 




MR. KOBB's GROCEKY STORE, SIDE CARRIED AWAY. TOPEKA. 




UNION PACIFIC DEPOT, NORTH TOPEKA. 




NORTH APPKOACH MELAN BRIDGE AND BUOY TO CARKY ACROSS TO BRIDGE. TOPEKA. 




CAK TRACKS BURIED IN SAND ON THE R. I. TRACK. 




R. I. FREIGHT CAR WASHED FROM TRACK. NORTH TOPEKA. 




POKTEK HOUSE AT CENTRAL AVE. AND GAKFIELD PAKK, TOPEKA. 




BUILDING FLOATED FROM WESTERN AVENUE TO TYLER AND ST. JOHN, TOPEKA. 




HOUSES ON JACKSON THAT BUKNED TO THE WATEKS EDGE, TOPEKA. 




REMAINS OF THE ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAY BRIDGE, TOPEKA. 




SIDE OF ROBB'S GKOCEKY STORE, LODGED IN FKONT OF CONGRESSMAN CORTIS' HOUSE 




HOUSE NEAR SOLDIER CREEK FROM WHICH PKOF. KUTZ WAS DROWNED, TOPBKA. 




HOUSE ON HARRISON AND GAKKIKI.n WHERE SEVEN PEOPLE WERE DROWNED; TOPEKA. 





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SANTA FE RAIL KOAD LOOKING WEST FROM BRIDGE. LAWRENCE. 




CONDITION OF K. K. SOUTH OF WATER WOKKS, LAWKENCE. 




LOOKING N. W. FROM LAWRENCE — WEST PART OF SOUTH LAWRENCE 




WRECKED ENGINE AND TWO PULLMAN CARS AT STOCK YAKDS, K. C. MO. 




BUILDING CUT IN TWO BY A FREIGHT CAR IN ARMOURDALE 




ON KANSAS AVENUE AND AKMOURDALE. 




6th and KANSAS AVE. AKMOUKDALE. HOUSE WASHED IN FRONT OK BANK. 




BARN ON HOUSE IN AKMOURDALE. 




r^^t 







Tr-^ 



•"-■'*»! 



CORY AVE. NEAR CHEYENNE. TWO HOUSES WRECKED, KANSAS CUrv. 




MILLS AND SHAWNEH, ARMOURDALK. 




CHURCH wrecked; two houses settled within its walls, awmoukdale. 



A TRIP WITH "UNCLE SAM." 
Yes, I went to the army 
Some many years ago, 
Because I had a yearning 
A few things more to know. 
To New Orleans they sent me, 
With other boys in blue 
Down to that fort — old Jackson — 
To learn a thing or two. 

Near the camp — the jettied front — 
Of that— the ' 'father stream" 
To watch the ships go and come 
Would make me think and dream. 
I thought of days, home and friends, 
Then in the misty past. 
And my vow to Uncle Sam 
That held so tight and fast. 

Charmed thus while in retrospect 

Of Sadness and of joy. 

The plainest truth then to me 

Was "Life is no Decoy;" 

So one day an order came 

That broke this fassioned spell — 

To me gave an honored rank 

To see that — all went well. — 

Boys in all were fifty two — 
With anxious, hopeful hearts; 
Some from the old state of Penn., 
But most from Dixie parts. 
Sherman was about that time 
On his inspection tour. 
The boys were brought into toil 
To make things clean pure. 

They stormed the tort best they could 
With broom, rag, brush and rake. 
What they did was just enough 
To mark the biggest "fake." 
The General came, saw and went^ 
The last for us to see. 
It was not long after this 
Before his soul was free. 

He went to see other boys 
Who knew his valor best; 
For he was there, leading on 
When sought they final rest. 
Another order came, ere long, ■ 



And not to our sorrow. 
For thu« it went very plain, 
"Boys, you leave tomorrow!" 

Tomorrow came, all so bright. 
The birds sang in its train; 
Flowers, grass and trees so green 
Joined in the glad refrain. 
Struck we camp with that delight 
That ripples every heart. 
When one is bound, yes, in fact 
Some better, distant part. 

The rank was formed, roll was called. 
Here! here! went down the line; 
In all those many faces 
Was not one saddening sign. 
First to fours, then columned right. 
We made for Levy street, 
There we took the cars in wait 
Save not one vacant seat. 

The ride we took brought us up 
In front the Ferry land. 
"All off! All on!" "Capen" said. 
We were there, every man. 
The whistle blew, pilot wheeled, 
The waves began to block; 
Left the Cresent city now 
For the little Algier Dock. 

There we took the train in wait 

For the gulf — made a run, 

Reached the Morgan steamer line 

Just as the day was done. 

Safe on board some hammocks swung. 

With Blankets, woolen strong. 

We tried to talk, sing or sleep. 

But some how things went wrong. 

The ship was tossed by the wave, 
So rocked the more we rolled. 
The cause was deep — could be seen 
Of which our faces told. 
Thus we passed a pleasant eve. 
For so it was quite sure 
How slight we think, much we bear 
When something is in store. 

Next day we hove into sight 
City of gulf and bay 



The Gods sent their wrath upon; 
They must forgot to pray. 
We landed there long- enoug-h 
To do what was done. 
When we a mile further gone 
Our water course be run. 

Again by train over land 
To city— San-an-tone; 
Parted there no more to meet 
With some this side the throne. 
The years spent with "Uncle Sam" 
What did it profit me 
We can not tell what was sown 
Till last the reaping see. 

FALL DAY5. 

As THE leaves now were falling 
And the crows sadly calling 
The farmer went to gather in his 

corn. 
The little brook went rippling, 
A boy sat by, mere strippling. 
Below, there drank the timid baby 

fawn. 

The cow-bells softly ringing, 

The birds had ceased their singing, 

The ant and bee stop working early 

morn. 
The roosters, they were crowing. 
And watch dogs, they were knowing, 
The ducks in white were swimming on the 

pond. 

Adrift, the leaves went whirling, 

The cabin's smoke was curling. 

The little lambs were skipping on the 

lawn. 
Some truant boys were hazing. 
The horses gently grazing. 
Slowly; an old mill grinding out the 

corn. 

The squirrels they were jumping, 
While holding on to something, 
A lesson taught by nature in her 

truth'. 
The children homeward tripping. 
To quickly tell of whipping. 
The Master gave deserving little 

youth. 



UNCLE JOSH. 

I HE sun just above a western cloud 
Shone out — the day was dying — 
An old man sat by his cabin door 
A Gentle breeze was sighing. 

In this tide of eve he smoked his pipe 
And thought, but in part content 
On his face a smile, at times a scowl, 
Thus his thoughts they came and went. 

Sentinel like stood a mountain grand 
O'er the woods and far off plains. 
While below a brook went rippling by 
The fields and his other gains. 

Quick the sun then dropped, below the cloud, 
Naught left, but a crimson spark 
On the mount above, there like a gem, 
'Twas the sun's last fading mark. 

When the chill of eve came stealing on 
He started then to his feet. 
But himself each time he tried to raise 
Fell back again, again to his seat. 

Just then came along a merry boy 
From the meadow, branch and field, 
His youthful hand he extends to help, 
Even then uncle Josh did reel. 

Left to himself he tottering went 

With a stick to help his way; 

Like the sun that left but a mountain spark 

To his life is left but a ray. 

Just now he stops in an easy spot. 
There beyond his cottage door; 
Looks up, around, then afar, then down; 
He's scanning life o'er and o'er. 

Far back to regions of youth he goes 
To reckon his treasured goal 
It's only the best he brings to test. 
Now a ransom for his soul. 

Then himself, he asks, why should there be 
A something to urge the soul; 
Yet play the game, the all trying game 
Of life when one still is old? 

With heavy heart now he turns to go, 
The day like his life came and went; 
'Tis only with him, yes, only with him 
To account for how 'twas spent. 



ONLY A VIOLET. 

Zehhyr rocked, be-labored 
With purest crystal dew, 
Below in the meadow 
The sweetest violet grew. 

While far above swept by 
Worlds on their mission bent. 
In moon light soft it stood 
Drinking deep in content. 

Then came the morning sun 
And kissed its dripping cheek; 
Now what it said and did 
I leave you this to seek. 

LIFE'S PROPOSITION, 

Here! into this uncertain space 

Hedged about by the defects of 

Our own nature, we come boldly 

In to play the piece assigned by 

Destiny. So well nature knows 

Her turn she urges on — We, her 

Ever faithful subjects, perforce 

Of intuition, through all those 

Unheeding years of infancy. 

Till reason ends this gloom by that 

Light she gently sheds for the growth 

Of the better stuff, unalike 

Found in men's souls. In the soft still 

Night when Morpheus, perhaps, was 

Disposed to unknowingly lean 

Upon his staff, giving thus while 

Defference claimed then by that a 

Stronger God, then we came; we came. 

Thus as strangers led into life 

By some learned hand the sameness 

Of whose blood doth differ so much 

From that of a mother, who 



Bends to save her child from the dregs 
When all others have passed it by. 
Then it was we first tried our lute, 
The newest of which hangs about 
The recesses of the present 
To charm some memory with its 
Soft soothing strains, into an ever 
Present recollection of that 
Most eventful time of the past. 
As a mother bird seeks to lead 
Her nestlings to try their wings, then 
Leaving them more and more to their 
Own account, the child quietly 
Pushes farther and farther out 
Upon the well shipped sea of life. 
Where, when it awakens, will find 
Itself alone to make its way 
To either better shores beyond, 
Or drift to something worse below. 



DEATH'S DISPOSITION. 

Hark! something comes now to drive 

me think! 
This flower so suddenly bloomed 
Now must by some fate quickly fade! 
Drop its withered leaves! Yea, go back 
To the hand painting its design! 
To me I think a death knell comes! 
Swift! a message! the soul is gone! 
Yes, gone! from mother's arms went! flew 
As a bird from its cage leaving 
As it did, death's cage behind. 
It came, it went, dream-like. The bands 
Of which hoped they in vain to break 
That they might gladly arouse, yes! 
Then to a far more pleasant sense. 



SPRING. 

^ow THAT the rear guards of winter 

Have ceased their sallies and withdrawn 

To other climes, all nature here 

Seems in a state of transition. 

Swift clouds, marshalling here and there 

Upon the soft blue skies, appear 

Rallying to the command of 

That unseen force some where without. 

Quick now a flash of light is seen 

To stream accross their frowning forts, 

Leaving just behind, within their 

Gathered blackness, a sound that comes 

At first as if from some distant 

Victory won battle field, where. 

As the vanquished foe, fast beating 

A hasty retreat, now draws close 

Upon us with great guns, that roll 

On, the more and more. Fleeing thu— 

In passing by; as if burdened 

From grief of their defeat, now shed 

Forth warm crystal tears that tall quick 

Invery uncertain showers. 

Mother earth, whose half warmed anxious 

Soul, thus bathed, responds now with that 

Thankfulness, that laughs out in an 

Awakening joy that bids the grass 

Once more throw back its winter wrap; 

Raise itself by stealthy growth to 

Final maturity; rivers 

And lake unbridge themselves into 

Which the meandering brooks, there 

With mirthful ripplings, finally 



Loose themselves to a greater part. 
Now the farmer goes to his fields. 
Warmed by Spring, for his reception 
And with honest heart and godly 
Trust, sows the seeds of many grains 
With hands that have sown alike for 
The rich, the poor, home and abroad. 
Oft before. The song of the lark 
On early wing is heard, while the 
Mocking bird, fresh from warmer vales, 
Sings from his brimming heart that new 
Song he caught astray, during his 
Dwell in lands that are winterless. 
From under Southern skies come the 
Soft winds fragrance laden from the 
Blushing orchards blossom, where the 
Wild cherry, honey suckle and 
The sweet trailing arbutus, all 
And more, have been embraced in its 
Passage. Now the angler goes forth 
To stream and lake and there cast his 
Line, to anxiously wait the sure 
Entrapment of some decoyed perch. 
While the bare foot boy in the lane 
Measures with others on his way. 
As the grand army of spring 
Moves on to quickly storm the forts. 
Held fast, as but yesterday by 
Winters icy grip; today by 
Nature reclaimed to fields, vernal. 
Green; spring, so in moving, thus all 
Moves on and up till the line has 
Been leaped that demarks from that of 
The maturing light of summer. 




CLOSET ON HOUSE, ARMOUKDALE. 




STOCK YARDS ARMOURDALE. 







HOUSE CUT IN TWO BY TROLLEY POLK, 7tH, AND KAN. AVE. ARMOURDALE 



WELCOME TO OUR PRESIDENT. 

Written upon the occasion of the PreBident's visit to Topeka. 

lUiTH that Western fervor that lives true and long, 
Thou good and thou great, so brave and so strong. 
To this clustered flower, the sun of the West, 
As the rarest, purest, grandest and best — 
We welcome you! 

Our daughters and our sons like a star will glow, 
More lovely, more great in deeds as they grow. 
And each page that they write and leave to the past, 
Try to leave better than that of the last. 
We welcome you! 

Our cities, our towns truly scattered and small, 
Remembered in building, God above all. 
While the church in its beauty stands strong and tall; 
The school house around is sounding its call. 
We welcome you! 

Our hills and our plains that are swept by the winds 
Only laugh in their nature, heap our bins. 
From this bounteous store through church or through state, 
No stranger in need yet sought us too late. 
We welcome you! 

Our farmer boy's whistle is heard through the grain, 
So thankful is he for sunshine and rain 
That from mom till eve comes a whistle or song, 
The days mav be dark, the nights may bo long. 
We welcome you! 

Our cattle by thousands, yes, are seen in herds 
In meadow, too, our sheep in flock like birds; 
The bam yard song, with its familiar refrain. 
From far and near is heard and heard again. 
We welcome you! 

Our mills, thougli young, sir, are begining to go; 
Ere long we shall make, so weil as we grow. 
The goods now we send, that comes back in disguise. 
Kansas is up; she is opening her eyes 
We welcome you! 

The steam cars in darting at a thrifty rate 
Enter city and town, through sister state. 
Arousing the land with their whistle and ring; 
They carry away much and much they bring. 
We welcome youl 

Our Kansas of the free, there is none above. 
Her laws we cherish and reforms we love. 
From the days of our Brown, yea, whose name shall live 
To these our nation — a hatchet to give. 
We welcome you! 

As we love this our state, we love all our land 
So true are we; this republic must stand. 



Her great institutions not only must live 
But cast just beyond our brotherhood give. 
We welcome youl 

As the rail covers our states, carry our worth, 
May our ships dot oceans rounding the earth; 
May they know of our thrift as well as our love, 
No greater blessing we ask from above. 
We welcome youl 

We welcome you in valor, welcome you in growth, 
In church and state, we welcome you in both. 
And as Kansas now greets you, may all our land. 
Thou so brave, thou so strong, truly a man; 
We welcome youl 

As in the course of events thy honor came 
Thou hast played this much at life's cunning game 
And if so well the same is skilled as before, 
All praise to our eagle, still he will soar. 
We welcome youl 

By thy head, and thy heart, the hope of our land. 
As one of the many Kansas will stand. 
We're with you, yes with you, in all that is true. 
As long as so waves the Red, White and Blue 
We welcome youl 



THE INEVITABLE, 

C>OME it must, if come it must. 
What arm can stay its force? 
Might as well try push the sua 
Beyond its wedded course. 

Just it is, what e're it be, 
•Tis nature's fashioned way, 
Yet truth, obscure at this sun. 
Must come to light some day. 

Unseen is the hand that shifts 
Each changing scene of day; 
Unheard is the voice that speaks 
To guide man on his way. 

So like each home, our country, 
As well each home the man; 
There's a way for each, for all 
That's better known when ran. 



TIME. 

Hark! hark! can you hear it? how it blows, 
On, on, with a sweep, carries all as it goes. 
Roll on, time, thy force for weal or woe; 
Since thou must do thy task, then grow, reap 
and sow. 

Be strong, man, be strong. Pull hard the oar; 
For it is the tiding of the age that roars. 
Testings have been, so the more will be 
Farther out we sail life's tempestuous sea. 



SELFISHNESS. 

No, it is not all of life to 

strive. 
And from all the earth and sky thy gain 

derive. 
There is something more, there's something 

still. 
Than being bound — a slave to a selfish 

will. 



TRUANT'S REFORM. 

Tattered and torn were his trousers, 

Well covered with dirt his face; 

The hat there on his unkept head 

Was shapeless and out of place. 

His little toes were protruding 
From shoes so very much worn; 

His coat was now thin, all faded 
And buttons seemed quite unknown. 

Jim is my name, in answer said 
To words that questioned this fact; 

With downcast eyes, he hung his head 
And then partly turned his back. 

Well Jim, my lad, how happened this? 

Now tell me just what is right. 
"Strayed out from school sir!" mother said^ 
'And would not come home at night! ' 

Then tears coursed down his little cheeks. 
Why, his looks did sure deceive. 

The way he choked at these last words, 
Told his little heart did grieve. 

Hold up your head, my little boy. 

And make me a solemn vow 
To mend your ways; yes, every one. 

And you must commence it now. 

There was a pause, a silence fell. 
And in which the die was cast. 

Then looking 'round and up again. 
His courage was gaining fast. 

Then quick I grasped his little hand 
And said, don't cry, Jim, be bravel 

To this he said, "I'll try, mister. 
Tell mama I will behave!" 

Yes, Jim, I will, so throw aside 

The cause that has brought you shame; 

Since, he has tried 1 have helped. 
So Jim is not now the same. 



X 



REMEHBER. 

Tis the little thoughts still silent- 
la the soul — the same remain. 

Bat the smallest promise broken 
Is never the same again. 

Tis the little deed of evil, 

Now to-day, may seem so small. 

If you give it food, tomorrow 

Will iind it grown stronsr and tall. 



AN AWAKING, 
When day is beginning to bend 

Because of its growing age, 
And twilight with a radiant smile 

Comes in at this weary stage; 
Then it is we falter and bend 

Beneath the great weight of life. 
So lightly prize our earthly goods 

We've gained in our battle's strife. 

IN MEnORIAM. 

Just another, 
Just another little mound 
Is raised in silent spot; 
Just another song is sung. 
Thus tuned to a broken heart. 

Just another prayer is sent 
To the realms of sacred bliss; 
Just another tear is shed, 
As a lifeless cheek is kissed. 

Just another parting glance 
At the link that broke the chain; 
Just another scar is made 
. By death's destroying pain. 

Just another grave, one day, 
Must some where be dug as deep; 
Just another, another 
Like this one, now too, must sleep. 

Just another, another 
By all time's swift passing breeze 
Must fall, fall, yes, quickly fall, 
Like leaves from the autumn trees. 

Oh life! life! uncertain life, 
Why dost all thy flowers grow 
So beautiful and so grand 
All in a day, then no more? 



NATURE, 

I stood on a bridge one evening, 
Gazed far up a winding stream; 
'Twas about that time when nature 
Awakes from her busy dream. 

While thinking, looking and listenings, 
A Breeze from the fields stole by 
There below the water rippled, 
A little fish sported high. 

Bej'ond the woods by the river, 
Hard by came a rumbling sound; 
Up went asmoke, she whistled; 
On a curve she swung around. 

While children with glee were romping 
Across, long the river bank, 
The sun over a rift gently 
Looked off, around and then sank. 

The cows were calling in distance 
The maid to hurry the pail. 
Just above then passed a sparrow, 
As if on some other's trail. 

The pigs in a sty were squealing, 
Close by went tripping a runt. 
Perchance that is corn, the feeder 
Has there, standing in frontl 

The quack of a duck 'cross yonder 
At the house upon the hill 
'Bout the last now to be silenced 
Giving his duckship a fill. 

Twilight fast falling was fading, 
Mantle of another drawn 
The moon came up led in the race 
Of the night so newly born. 

Then turned me 'way from this picture 
That impressed both soul and mind. 
Gave thinks to God of creation 
For planning so great design. 



CAUSE AND EFFECT. 

It is not the death, but life; 
'Tis this we should truly care. 
If our sewing has been good, 
The reaping we need not fear. 



J\ Coving Response to tbe £ry for l^elp. 

The Divine inhuman nature has few and parade them before the public 
never yet failed to manifest itself in ^s calling- for special sympathy and 
the marvelous depths of love, the full- ''elief; all suffered; all are entitled to 

t 4U wi J • ^ -J sympathy and the full measure of re- 

ness of sympathy and the desire to aid, ,.' „,, 

lief. When the historian enters the 

whenever the hand of affliction has f;„ij ^r ^^o^;. u- ^ -4. ^u t ( 

nelQ or specialties to write the story ot 

rested heavily upon the people. No the greatest flood that ever swept the 

better illustration of this thought has valley of the Kaw he dims his vision 

ever been recorded in history than this and presents to the reader a part of 

one which is given to us in the speedy the awful scene for the horrors of the 

giving of relief by the friends and whole. 

neighbors at home and the "stranger In the foregoing pages we have 

beyond our gates" as the electric cur- taken the reader to the sources of the 

rent carried around the world the cry great deluge and we have presented 

of the riood beleagured thousands for him, not only with the scenes of the 

succor. It is idle to write of heroes in waters themselves, but of the awiul 

that hour when 200 miles by from one wreckage and ruin the}' have wrought, 

to five miles in width of the loveliest taking the principal points from Salina 

and most fruitful valleys in the world to the mouth of the Kaw. John S. 

was swept by a raging- torrent of water Rhodes, our special artist, photo- 

from three to fifteen feet deep, up-root- graphed the Topeka and Kansas Cit}- 

ing trees, wrecking houses, hurling scenes. These results speak louder 

them from their foundations and carry- than words. Think of human lite 

ing them down the stream as if they amid such awful wreckag-e? Think 

were bubbles, engulfing horse?, and cat- of the condition of men, women and 

tie and human beings and plowing children who survived that awful 

huge caverns in the soil. All were wreckage? It was not the high wa- 

heroes, both those who went to watery ters, nor the rushing tide, nor yet the 

graves and those who survived. With pathetic and heart-rending cries for 

them as with the soldiers upon the help during those awful hours of 

battle field, heroism belongs not alone agony while on house top or in tree 

to the living. To write of one who or battling for life in the angry waters 

bravely faced the terrors of the angry that touched the hearts of the thous- 

deep is to write of all. Nor can we ands and prompted them to give, but 

single out the hardships of a certain it was the conditions that met and 



JUL 13 1903 



hedged about the survivors of the average of less than S6 per family, 

flood. Since that time the committee, of 

To meet these conditions the God in which Major Sims is secretary, has 

man revealed itself. The hungry ordered a further disbursement of 

were fed; the naked clothed; the $7,200. This general relief fund is 

homeless were given shelter; ihe sick steadily growing, and there is much 

were administered unto. Those who need of it, for it will require many 

were not in the track of the rushing thousands of dollars yet to meet the 

waters opened their doors to those imperative wants of those rendered 

who were. To give them the neces- homeless, propertyless and penniless 

saries of life money was freely given, by the flood. 

Churches were opened for shelter. Aside from the generous efforts of 
Public buildings became residences local and general committees every 
and hospitals for the homeless and agency that could give relief has been 
needy. Physicians gave their services actively at work since the Black Friday 
to the sick. All was done, and is be- in Kans?s history. Many thousand 
ing done, that loving hearts could do. men, women and children have been 
In Topeka the Salvation Army was fed, clothed and sheltered and sup- 
among the fir'it to engage in the work plied with bedding and furniture to 
of relief. Their barracks were turned start again in life here in Topeka by 
into a hospital. Thechurches promptly the charitable agencies which believe 
took up the work of "ministering in the application of the Golden Rule, 
angels." Fraternal societies vied with What is true of Topeka in this respect 
each other in giving relief. Women's is equally true of every other afflicted 
clubs engaged in the work of supply- locality in the state. 
ing clothing. The teachers' Associ- Relief from the outside world has 
ation contributed to the fund of relief, been prompt and exceedingly generous- 
The Commercial Club was exceedingly The State legislature was summoned 
active in gathering the supplies and to meet in special session in the in- 
money necessary to relief. The city terest of the flood sufferers and in re- 
authorities promptly opened the audi- sponse it passed some enabling bills so 
torium to the use of the flood sufferers, that the various counties in the track 
Hundreds made their homes there for of the flood could rebuild their bridges, 
days and until the government sup- This legislature voted a resolution of 
plies them with tents. The old court sympathy to those who sutfered from 
house was thrown open to the use of the flood and to themselves an appro- 
the homeless. In three days the cit- priation of $12,000, then went home— 
izens of Topeka raised $20,000 for a "passing by on the other side." 
relief fund and this amount has been Por many months yet many of the 
increased to $64,612.59. Other cities flood victims will need aid; kind and 
have been as generous in caring for loving hearts must give. The work 
their sufferers. of rebuilding the waste places is being 

From the Governor's fund, which is pushed with vigor, but it will take 

for the benefit of the entire flooded years in many places to get the farms, 

district, there has been disbursed up the homes and the comforts of life as 

to the 26th of June $32,235, and this_ they were before the awful down pour 

among 5,842 families, making an of waters in the month of May I'lQS. 




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